This bill establishes criminal penalties for specific violations of the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act, enhancing the legal repercussions for employers who engage in fraudulent activities related to certified payroll records or public works contractor registration forms. Under the proposed legislation, knowingly falsifying these records or making false statements will be classified as a crime of the fourth degree, which carries a potential fine of up to $10,000 and a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months. This is a significant increase from the current penalties, which classify such violations as disorderly persons offenses with fines ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 and disqualification from public work for up to three years.

Additionally, the bill mandates that a county prosecutor or the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development must notify the Attorney General upon identifying a violation. This notification allows the Attorney General to decide whether to take over the prosecution or investigation of the case or refer it back to the county prosecutor for further action. The penalties established by this bill are in addition to any other penalties that may be imposed under existing laws, thereby strengthening the enforcement of the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act.